“It is very sad that people of these states grew restive over water. The violent incidents in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are an example of the ill-effects of water crisis,” Chandrababu said in a teleconference with officials on ‘Water and Progress’ here.

The state government has taken up the ‘Water and Progress’ programme in a big way to ensure that future generations do not face water crisis in Andhra Pradesh.

“If we can overcome water crisis, we can ensure progress not only in agriculture sector but also industrial and other sectors as well. Recharging of borewells, increasing ground water levels, restoring village tanks and effectively managing water resources hold the key to staving off crisis,” Naidu said.

Ground water level across the state increased by 1.31 m since May 1 this year, which was equal to 118 tmc ft water.
The state recorded a 13 per cent deficit in rainfall this season, but the current spell of rain in Prakasam, Guntur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts was encouraging, he said.

The chief minister asked officials to involve engineering students in the water conservation measures.
Creating a cascade of tanks could be entrusted as project work for the students, he said.

Under the Panta Sanjeevani programme, digging of 73,970 farm ponds has been completed so far while work on 2,69,964 is under progress.

Naidu also directed the officials to step up water auditing in all districts of the state.